Seating structure



F. ALBAcH ET AL SEATING STRUCTURE Dec.v 12, 1939.

Filed June 3, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet l Dec. l2, 1939. F, ALBACH ET`AL 2,183,056V

SEATING STRUCTURE Filed June 3, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 2` BY @7.4M

/47 TvoEA/E Y nu. 12, 1939. F. ALBACH Er A1. 2,183,056

SEATING STRUCTURE Filed Jane s', 1937 4 sheets-sheet :5

ZA/VEN To@ Fran k /baC/L G'eorge E. Chef-venia,

Hrfo EA/EY Dec. l2, 1939. F, ALBACH T AL 2,183,056

SEATING STRUCTURE]v Filed June 3, 1937 4'Sheets-Sheet 4 Mju MME 4] afl?" r M /47 l 44 Vai Il' 42 IN VEA/TOE Patented Dec. l2, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SEATING STRUCTURE Frank Albach and George R. Chervenka, St. Louis, Mo., assignors to Fred Medart Manufacturing Company, St. Louis, Mo., a. corporation of Missouri Application `lune 3, 1937, Serial No. 146,163

37 Claims.

bleachers for use in auditoriums, gymnasiums,

and other enclosures.

Our present invention has for its primary o bject the provision of an indoor seating-structure of telescopic or foldable type, which may with ease, facility, and convenience be opened or closed, and which, when open, unfolded, or expanded, aiords seating capacity for a relatively large number of` individuals or spectators and, when closed or folded, occupies a comparatively small space. l

Our invention has for a further object the provision of a seating-structure of the type stated, which may be readily constructed and installed, which is strong, rugged, durable, and economically maintained in service, and whichis exceedingly efficient in the performance of its intended functions.

And with the above and other objects in view, our invention' resides in the novel features of form, construction, arrangement, and combination of parts presently described and pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, (four sheets),

Figure 1 is a side vertical sectional view of a telescopic or foldable seating-structure or bleachers constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention, the structure being shown in opened out or so-called unfolded condition;

Figure 2 -is a side vertical sectional view of the structure in closed, telescoped, or folded condition;

Figure 3 is a front elevational view of theA structure;

Figure 4 is an enlarged elevational detail view, partly broken away and in section, of one f the movable frame roller-carriages of thestructure;

Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view, taken approximately along the line 5 5, Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view of the structure, taken approximately along the line 8 5, Figure 2;

Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary detail ele vational View of the front-frame carriage and locking means of the structure;

Figure 8 is a sectional view of the carriage and locking means of Figure 7, taken appproximately along the line 8 8, Figure ,'7; and

Figure 9 is an enlarged fragmentary broken view of the structure, showing in detail the main or rear seat-providing frame thereof.

Referring now in more detail and by reference characters tothe drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bleachers or seating-structure includes a main or rear frame which comprises a suitable vplurality of oblong-rectangular upstanding panels A each, in turn, formed of a front post i pref erably of angle section, a post 2 preferably also of angle section disposed in spaced parallel rearward relation to post l, and top and bottom cross connecting-plates 3, d, bolted, riveted, welded, or otherwise secured rigidly to the posts l, 2, which, it will be understood, may be of any desired or required gauge, strength, and height.

In the present instance, there are four of the panels A, which are rigidly tied together in suitably spaced parallel relation by means of a suitable plurality of vertically spaced cross-members 5, two thereof here being shown, preferably of channel section securely bolted or otherwise xed to and upon the rearwardly presented faces of the rear panel-posts 2, as best seen in Figures 1 and 2. It may be here stated that, for purposes presently appearing, the panels A are disposed in pairs, with the flanges of the respective angle-posts l, 2, of each pair in opposed relation.

In practice, the several connected frame-forming panels A are arranged in contigulty or adjacence'to a wall B of the particular enclosure in which the bleachers are to be set up or installed, and to such wall B, the main frame is attached by means of a suitable pluralityof bolt-members 6, spacing-washers being preferably interposed, as shown, and the respective posts 2 being suitably longitudinally slotted, asiat 8, for acwhich the bleachers is being installed, and riveted or otherwise xed on a sideface of the lower cross-plate l of each respective panel A, is a vertically extending frame c bridged at its upper end by a short cross-angle d for housing a strong compression spring Il, which abuts at its upper end against the angle d and at its lower eral strips I2, and flatwise extending transversely' Y over the several panels A, is a top seat-member in the form of a suitably elongated plank or board I3, suitably hingedly connected to the front margin of` which, as at I4, to normally depend in frontlof the respective upper end-portions of the several front panel-posts I, is a correspondingly elongated face-plate or so-called riser I5, the latter with the 'seat-member I3 forming the top or upper row of seats Z of the bleachers, and the plate or riser I5 having, for purposes presently appearing, pivotally secured upon its under or rear face, as at I6, a suitable plurality of legs I 1 normally releasably retained in folded position, as shown in Figure 1, through end-engagement with suitable spring-clips or the like I8 also mounted on the under or rear face of riser I5. Extending between, and xed to, the uprights I, 2, of each panel A just below the lower margin of the face-plate or riser I5, is a reinforcing cross-rib or angle I9, and extending transversely across, and rigidly secured to, the posts I of the several panels A with its one lege presented forwardly in horizontal alignment with the horizontally presented leg f of the angle I9, as best seen in Figures 1 and 2, is a suitably elongated angle 20.

Preferably eachpanel A is equipped with a suitably elongated forwardly presented'horizontal so-called beam 2l constructed of a section of suitable sheet metal doubled upon itself to include opposed flanges y, g, a double-wall stem or web h, and a longitudinally extending cylindrical portion or bead i for purposes presently appearing, the anges g, g, at the rear end-portion of the beam 2|, being disposed in flatwise engagement with, and suitably,- as by bolts, rivets, or the like, xed to, the registering legs e, f, of the angles I 9, 20.

Fixed natwise upon the flanges g, g, of the respective beams 2I with its inner margin adiacent the transverse angle 20, and extending transversely across theseveral panels A, is a footrest in the form of an elongated board 22 of suitable width, and having its lower margin disposed between, andriveted or otherwise suitably fixed to, the walls of the stem h forwardly of the foot-rest 22, is a double wall upstanding plate 23 having `along its upper margin outwardly presented opposed anges a' and along its 4forward margin outwardly presented opposed flanges lc.

Disposed flatwise upon and secured, as by bolts or other suitable means, to the respective flanges i of, and extending transversely with respect to, the several panels A, is a seat-providing plate, plank, or board 24, and similarly secured to the respective front anges k of, and extending transversely across with respect to, the several panels A, is a second face-plate or riser '25.

It will, of course, be understood in this connection that the several beams 2l will be positioned at such a distance downwardly from the seat-board I3, so that the average individual, when seated upon the board Il. will be able conveniently and comfortably to rest his feet upon the beam-supported foot-board 22, and similarly the seat-supporting plate 23l will be spacially arranged with respect to the rst seat-board I3 and the foot-board 22, so as to provide a second row of seats Y suitably in front of, and at a lower elevation than, the first or back row of seats Z, all as best seen in Figure 1.

Having slidable engagement with, and telescopically sleeved upon, each respective bead i, is a co-operative so-called bracket 26, forming preferably an integral part of which is an inverted U-shaped clip 26 fitting over, and riveted or otherwise xed to and upon, the upper end of an upright movable post or standard 21 constructed preferably, as best seen in Figure 5, of a pair of channel-members r, r', disposed and fixed permanently together in back-to-back relation. the several posts 21 of the bleachers being suitably, as by a suitably positioned transverse or -cross-member 28, secured or tied together in frame-formation for movement as a unit.

At its lower extremity, each of the posts or uprights 21 has suitably xed thereto, as best seen in Figure 4, a small flat plate 29 for floor engagement and is mounted for vertically shiftable movement in a carriage D comprising a pair of companion plates 30 suitably secured together in spaced parallel relation by means of crossbraces 3|, the plates 30 being converged and extended rearwardly. as at 30', for journal-engagement with a suitable roller 32, and being likewise converged and extended forwardly, as at- 30", for journal-'engagement with a second roller 33.

Bolted or otherwise xed upon the forward face of the forwardly presented flanges ofveach post or member 21, is a suitable L-shaped bracket 34 for superjacent abutting engagement with a compression spring'35 vertically mounted within the forward portion of the carriage D for subjacent abutting engagement with an 'opposed companion L-shaped bracket 36 fixed, in turn, upon the forwardly presented face of the adjac ent cross-brace 3l, as best seen in Figures 4 and 5. Thus the several tied together posts or uprights 21 are, likewise as la unit or a unitary frame, normally yieldingly or reslliently urged vertically upwardly and also shiftable laterally with respect tothe main or rear frame of the.

bleachers provided by the several connected panels A. As shown, for facilitating such lateral shiftable movement, the rollers 32, 33, of each carriage D are preferably in tandem relation,

while the spaced braces 3l function also as guides.

for the respective post 21 in its vertically disposed moveinents. And it may here be stated that the plate forward continuations or extensions 30 are preferably greatly elongated with respect to the rearward continuations '30 for stabilizing the posts 21 both when in stationary position and when being shifted laterallytoward and from the rear panels A.

Bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the respective forwardly presented vertical faces of, and extending transversely across, the several uprights 21, is a cross-rib or angle 2l corretioned transversely-extending foot-board 22' andi u a series of upstanding flanged seat-supporting plates 23', the latter being, in turn, similar to the lplates 23 and similarly equipped with a transversely extending seat-board 24' and face-plate or riser 25'. The beams 2| are also of the same length as the beams 2 l, and the vertical distance between the beams 2|' and the board 24 of the second row of seats Y is equal to the distance between the beams 2| and the seat-board I3 of the first row of seats Z, so that the member 22' provides a foot-rest for use by the occupants of the second row of seats Y, while, at the same time, the supported transverse members 24', 25', form and provide a third row of seats X, which is similarly positioned downwardly and spaced forwardly from the second row of seats Y the same distance as the second row oi' seats Y is positioned and spaced with respect to the first row of seats Z. Further, the vertical distance between the upper face ofv the seat-providing member 24' and the beams 2l is equal to the vertical distance between the beams 2|' and the lower margin of the face-plate 25, and the several posts 2l are likewise disposed in pairs, the posts 2l of each respective pair thereof, however, being spaced somewhat less than the spacing between the panels A of each respective pair thereof, so that the pairs of standards or posts 21, when the row of seatslX is shifted rearwardly, are properly aligned for nesting relation with respect to the panels A. Any such movement of the row of seats X is conveniently facilitated by the rollable carriages D andthe telescopic or slidable connection between the sleeves 26 and the beams 2l, and in any such movement, the beams '2i' and their associated foot-board 22' and seat-board 24 will move rearwardly with the uprights or posts 21, thus bringing the seatboard 24 vertically beneath ythe seat-board 24 and the face-plate or riser 26' in approximately vertical alignment with the ilrst or fixed faceplate or riser 25 in the formation of a substantially unitary wall, as best seen in Figure 2.

Mounted for slidable movement longitudinally on the respective beams 2i', are sleeve-brackets 26a similar in form and function to the bracket 26 andeach likewise having an inverted U-shaped clip 26' for rigid connection with a second forwardly disposed series of transversely aligned movable uprights or posts 21 similar in form and function, but correspondingly shorter, than the first set of movable uprights or posts 21. The respective posts 2l' are likewise mounted for vertically shiftable and laterally traveling movement within roller carriages D', the latter also similar in form and construction to the roller carriages D and the posts 2li' being tied together in frameformation by a cross-angle 28' for unitary movement. The uprights 2l' are, in turn, provided` with respective horizontally disposed rigid beams- 2i" supporting, in likemanner as described in connection with the beams 2i and 2i', a footrest 22" for the third row of seats YX and also a `seat-providing board 24" and a face-place or riser 25, thus'providing a fourth forwardly and downwardly spaced row of vertically shiftable and laterally movable seats W, a ilfth row of also vertically shiftable and laterally movable seats V being in like manner arranged in front of. and, in turn, downwardly spaced from, the -row W. It will, of course, be understood that the uprights or posts 21, 2l, and so on of the several seatrows become progressively shorter, as is shown in Figure 1, and that' the spacing of the uprightsrows X, W, andA V is for'nesting co-operation successively less, as best seen in Figure 6. And

. it will further be understood that the bleachers,

depending on the original height of the rear wall mounting frame formed and provided by the several connected panels A, may comprise any desired number of rows ortiers of seats. However, for purposes of illustration, we here show a seating-structure or bleachers of our invention comprising merely six rows or tiers of seats; hence the last mentioned row or tier of seats V will, in such installation and as here shown, constitute the second tier of seats from the bottom.

Accordingly brackets 26h sleeved for movement on the associated beams 2lb, in all such respects similar to the described brackets 26 and 26a and beams 2i, 2|', are ixed upon respective relatively short uprights or posts 2lb, eachY having at its lower .extremity a floor-engaging plate 29h.

Suitably fixed upon the forwardly presented face of each of the respective posts or uprights 2lb, is an inverted U-shaped carriage-frame D" comprising a pair of opposed companion lor registering angle-members m, m, suitably shaped to include front and rear vertical legs 3l, 38, respectively, and a horizontally extending bight portion 39.

APivotally attached, as at n, at its one extremity to andintermediate the angle-members m and extending horizontally rearwardly from the frame-front leg 31, is a suitable mounting 40 shaped in plan as best seen in Figure 8, supporting intermediate its ends for rollable move-S ment in a vertical plane a suitable roller 4l. Fastened at its lower end, as at 62, to the rear extremity of the mounting 4i! and having lslotand-pin connection, as at 43, with the-framebight 39, is an upstanding .rod 44, coiled upon which and at its opposite ends abutting the upper horizontal face of the roller-mounting 40 and the under face of the frame-bight 39, is a coiled compression spring 45. f

As best seen in Figure 1, the rear leg 38 of the frame D" is similarly provided with a like yielding or spring-urged mounting 40 and roller 4| and ,tying the several posts 2lb together in frameformation, is a cross-angle 20h. Thus theposts 21h are capable, as a unit, of both vertically yielding and laterally traveling movement.

Bolted or otherwise fixed to and upon the upper face lof, and extending transversely across, the horizontal bight-members 39 of the several carriages D", is a foot-rest 22h similar in all respects to the foot-rests 22, 22', and 22", the respective carriages D" being also provided with transversely aligned upstanding seat-supporting plates 23h' similar in all respects to the seatsupporting plates 23, 23', and having bolted thereacross a seat-board 24h providing a lower row or tier of seats U.

Hlngedly fastened, as at d, to and beneath the forwardv marginof the seat-board 26h, is a swingable normally depending face-plate dll provided preferably centrally of its length with a hand-grip aperture 48, for purposes presently more fully appearing and as best seen in Figures 1, 3, and '1.

Fixed preferably upon each of the outer or en d carriage-frames D", is lock mechanism E comprising a shell-likey bracket or housing'having a front wall 49 and preferably integral horizontal upperzand lower walls 50, 5I, respectively, the-latter being formed with vertically aligned apertures for slidably accommodating a vertically disposed bolt-member 52, ilxed upon which, as,

by a set-screw 53, midway of its length, is a barrel 54 having a forwardly presented recess or socket 55 for embracingly engaging a rearwardly extending pin 56 eccentrically mounted in camlike manner upon a disk 51 formed upon the inner end of a short spindle 58 suitably journaled in a bearing 59 provided on the housing front wall 49. As best seen in Figures 1 and '1, the spindle 58 is accessively positioned within an aperture 60 formed in the swingable face-plate d1 and is provided with a diametrical pin i for engagement in end-slots of a removable socketed turninghandle 62.

In installing the present bleachers, the concrete or other oor C of the particular enclosure is provided with a pair of transversely aligned recesses 63 so located with respect to the wall B that the bolts 52 of the locks E will be positioned thereabove when the particular bleachers are in fully opened or operative seating position. Thus, to secure the bleachers in such condition and against unauthorized telescoping or folding movement, the socketed handle 52 is inserted in the aperture ii and engaged with the pin 5E of the spindle 53. Upon turning movement of the handle 62, the spindle 58 will be axially rotated with its eccentric pin or stud 55 and, by reason of its described engagement with the barrel 5H, effect vertical movement of the bolt 52. Thus the bolt 52 may selectively be either shifted downwardly into, or upwardly out of engagement with the iioor recesses all as best seen in Figure 1.

As has been above stated, the various or several successive sections 'of the bleachers are of similar size and are positioned relatively at like distances from each other. Thus, when the bleachers are in telescoped or closed position, each of the successive tiers or rows of seats U, V, W, X, Y, will be positioned in vertical registration one beneath the other, the several faceplates or risers 25, 25', 41, will be edgewise vertically aligned in the formation of a substantially solid closed front, as best seen in Figures 2 and 3, and the several panels A will, transversely of the structure, be in alignment, as shown in Figure 6, adding greatly to the stability of the structure when collapsed or folded.

Since the uppermost tier or row of seats Z provided by the seat-board I3 is in fixed rearwardly spaced relation to the next tier or row of seats Y, such inteivening space may now be covered by swinging the hinged face-plate I5 outwardly and upwardly and the legs l1 downwardly to endwise rest in vertical plate-support ing position upon the adjacent foot-board 22, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 2, the top, closure of such space being augmented by a substantially L-shaped member 64 fixed at its foot, as at 84', to and upon, and extending transversely over, the beams 2| of the several panels A adjacent the rear margin of the seat-board 24, as best seen in Figures 1 and 2.

Thus, in a gymnasium or similar enclosure. basket-balls, indoor baseballs, and the like, if accidentally thrown up against the folded or' closed seats, will be deiiected backwardly into the playing area, loss of time in recovering the ball or the like from the closed stand being hence eliminated. As shown, the floor C is provided in suitable adjacence to the wall B with a second set oi.' recesses or sockets 63' for co-operative engagement with the bolts 52 for releasably securing the bleachers or stand in fully closed con-- dition. v

When it is desired to open the stand or bleachers for accommodation of an audience, spectators, or the like, the locks E are actuated to withdraw the bolts 52 from door-engagement and the hinged bottom face-plate 41 gripped at the opening 48 and swung outwardly and upwardly in the provision of a pull-handle. The lowest tier or row of seats U is then shifted forwardly into extended position until the several brackets 2Gb, sliding in such movement on the beams 2lb, engage the flanges 1c of the plate 23' of the next adjacent tier V, whereupon continued pulling movement will cause the second tier V to move outwardly and forwardly, and subsequently and in a similar manner the third, and then the fourth row, until the entire stand is in fully opened or operative seating position, as shown in Figure 1. The locks E may thereupon be actuated to shift the bolts 52 downwardly into iioorengagement, so as to prevent any unauthorized retrogressive movement of the stand.

The outward and inward or lateral traveling movements of the various telescoping sections of the structure require comparatively little eort, since, the entire weight of the stand being normally lifted up ofi of the oor by means of the yielding mountings provided by the springs il, 35, G5, previously described, such sections are freely and conveniently movable on and with the several roller-carriages D, D', D". When, however, spectators take their place upon the opened structure, their additional weight will cause the several tiers or rows of seats to move downwardly in unison against the action of the several sets of springs il, 35, 65, until the several bottom plates 29, 29h, of the movable sections and the panels A of the stationary or rear section rest solidly upon the oor C, with the result that the weight of the loaded structure will be removed from the several carriages D, D', D", and directly transmitted through the panels A and several sets of uprights 21, 21', 21D to the iioor C. Hence, the bleachers or structure, when loaded, is strong, rigid, and immovable, and when not loaded will be freely supported upon the several roller carriages, so that the stand may be closed or opened with a minimum of physical effort, vertical movement of the stationary main or rear frame being freely permitted by reason of its described slot-and-pinion connection with the wall B and the fixed floor-engaging brackets l0.

Preferably, as shown, each of the intermediate frame-uprights 21, 21', is re-enforced or braced by a relatively short channel-member 65, and it is to be understood that the several rows of seats of the structure may be longitudinally elongated to meet the requirements of any particular installation by the inclusion of additional sets or pairs of panels, uprights, and associated members and parts, that the several members of the structure may be additionally re-enforced or braced for strerrth and rigidity as may be required, and that other changes and modifications in the form, construction, arrangement, and combination of the several parts of the stand or bleachers may be made and substituted for those herein shown and described without departing from the nature and principle of our invention.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is,

1. In a foldable seating-structure, a main frame and a plurality of second frames each including uprights spaced transversely of the structure normally elevated from, and vertically yieldable for endwisejresting under load upon, a.V

support, the uprights of the respective second .frames being differently spaced and each of said folded. l

2. In\ a foldable seating-structure, a main,

frame and a plurality or second frames each including uprights spacedtransversely of the structure normally elevated from, and vertically yieldable for endwise resting under load upon, a support, the .uprights of the respective second frames being differently spaced and each of said second frames also including seat and foot members extending transversely of the structure outwardly Vbeyond the respective uprights thereof, said main and second frames being shiftably interconnected vand relatively sized and arranged for mutually nested intertltting relationship when the structure is folded and said seat and foot members vbeing approximately of equal length and disposed in respective stepped series when the structure is unfolded and in respective vertical registration when the structure is folded.

3. A foldable seating-structure comprising, in.

combiantion, a main stationary upstanding frame, a pair of spaced parallel seat-providing ,members disposed at different eleyations on said frame, a plurality of upstanding second frames,

l 'seat-providing* members mounted on each of said second frames, and foot-rest-providing members mounted on some of said frames for "co-operative association with the next succeeding seat-member, said second frames being shiftably interconnected one with the other and with the main frame and relatively sized and arranged when folded for nesting one within the other and within, yand under the seat-members of, the main frame and the seat-members of said second frames, when the structure is unfolded, being dis- 4posed in spaced parallel relation 'one in front of,

and at dierent lower elevations from, the other and the seat-members of the main frame.

4. A foldable seating-structure comprising, in combination, a mainframe for connection to the floor of an enclosure, said frame including a.pair of parallel rows of seats spaced downwardly and forwardly one from the other, a plurality of second frames, one of said second frames having connection for shiftable movement with the main frame and the remaining second frames having 4 connection for shiftable movement one with the other, a,row, of seats supported by each of said second frames, said additional rows of seats being spaced downwardly andforwardly one from the other and from said main seat-rows when the structure is unfolded, and means including respective roller-carriages lfor supporting the second frames for traveling movement relatively to the main frame and to each other, said second frames being sized relatively to the main frame `and one with the other for nesting one within '.the other and within the main frame and said additional seat-rows being in vertical registration with the lower seat-row of the main frame when the vstructure is folded. 1

5. In a seating-structure, in combination with the floor and wall of an enclosure, a U-shaped tending transversely aligned horizontal beams fixed to said uprights, first seat-forming means mounted upon and extending transversely across said uprights, second seat-forming means mounted on, and extending transversely across, said beams, a plurality of separate second frames each including a series of transversely aligned and connected uprights and associated horizontal beams fixed to, and disposed inwardly of, the last-named uprights, one of said second frames having sleeve-connection for slidable movement upon the beams of the main frame and the remaining second frames having, in turn, successive sleeve-connections for slidable movement on lthe'beams of the respective preceding frame, and seat-forming means mounted on and for movement with the respective second frames.

7. A foldable seating-structure comprising a main frame having a plurality of transversely aligned uprights and a plurality of forwardly extending transversely allgned horizontal beams fixed to, and disposed inwardly from, said uprights, said frame being normally elevated from,

and vertically yieldable for -restingunder load upon, a floor, first seat-forming means mounted upon and extending transversely across said up'- rights, second seat-forming means mounted on, and extending transversely across, said beams, a plurality of separate second frames each including a series of transversely aligned and connected uprights and associated horizontal beams fixed to, anddisposed inwardly of, the last-named uprights, one of said second frames having sleeveconnection for slidable movement upon the beam of the main frame and the remaining second frames having, in turn, successive sleeve-connection for slidable movement on the beams of the respective preceding frame, seat-forming means mounted on and for movement with the 'respective second frames, and a roller-carriage at the lower extremity of each of the respective second uprights having spring-means for yieldingly supporting the second frames innormal elevated.

' position from, and for endwise resting under load upon, the floor and for movement over the floor relatively to the main frame. p

8. A seating-structure comprising, in combination,.a main frame including a pair of parallel rows of seats spaced'downwardly and forwardly lower end-portion of the upright, means yieldingly f connecting the upright to the frame, and means for rollably supporting the frame.

11. In a seating-structure, a seat-member supporting-upright, a frame loosely embracing the lower end-portion of the upright, means including a spring having connection with the upright and the frame for supporting the upright yieldingly relatively to the frame, and supportingrollers journaled for rotation in the frame.

12. In a seating-structure, a seat-member supporting-upright, a frame loosely embracing the lower end-portion of the upright, means including a spring having connection with the upright and the frame for supporting the upright yieldingly relatively to the frame, and supporting rollers in tandem relation journaled for rotation in the frame.

13. In a seating-structure, a seat-member supporting-upright, a frame loosely embracing the lower end-portion of the upright, means including a spring having connection with the upright and the frame for supporting the upright yieldingly relatively to the frame, opposed forward and rear extensions on said frame, and tandem rollers journaled for rotation in said extensions, the forward extension being elongated with respect to the rear extension.

14. In a seating-structure, a seat-providing panel including an upright, and roller carriage means for operatively supporting said upright at its lower extremity, said means comprising a pair of spaced parallel plates, and a pair of spaced peripherally aligned rollers operatively mounted between the plates, said plates being provided intermediate the rollers with guide means for shiftably receiving the upright.

15. A foldable seating-structure comprising a main frame and a plurality of second frames shiftably connected for folding and unfolding longitudinally of the structure, each frame having spaced\ uprights and the uprights of thev several second frames being differently spaced transversely of the structure, and seat-members of approximate equal length transversely of the structure on said second frames disposed in stepped relation one in advance of the other when the structure is unfolded, said seat-members extending transversely of the structure outwardly beyond the respective pairs of uprights and being in vertical registration and said uprights being in lateral registration when the structure is folded.

16. A foldable seating-structure comprising a main frame and a plurality of second frames shiftably connected fo`r folding and unfolding longitudinally of the structure, and seat and foot-rest members of approximate equal length transversely of the structure on said second frames disposed in respective vertically registering series when the structure is folded and in respective stepped series when the structure is unfolded, the second frames each including :paced uprights and the uprights of said second frames being differently spaced transversely of the structure, the seat and foot-rest members extending transversely of the structure outwardly beyond the uprights of the respective second frames and said uprights being in registration transversely of the structure when the structure is folded. I

17. A foldable seating-structure comprising a main frame and a plurality. of second frames shiftably connected for folding and unfolding longitudinally of the structure, and seat-risers of approximate equal length transversely of the structure on said second frames disposed edgewise in vertical registration when the structure is folded and in stepped series when the structure is unfolded, the second frames each including spaced uprights and the uprights of said second frames being differently spaced transversely ofthe structure, the seat-risers extending transversely of the structure outwardly beyond the uprights of the respective second frames and said uprights being in registration transversely of the structure when the structure is folded.

1,8. A foldable seating-structure comprising a plurality of frames, seat-members on said frames of approximate equal length transversely of the structure and means including sets of forwardly projecting rigid slidably co-operative members connecting the frames for folding and unfolding.

19. A foldable seating-structure comprising a plurality of upright frames, and means connecting said frames for folding and unfolding, said means including rigid beams forwardly projecting horizontally from one of said frames, and cooperable members xed on the other frame having slidable engagement with said beams.

20. A foldable seating-structure comprising a plurality of upright frames, and means connecting said frames for folding and unfolding, said means including rigid beams projecting horizontally from one of said frames, and tubular members fixed on the other frame having sleeveengagement with said beams for telescopically slidable movement.

21. A foldable seating-structure of bleacher type comprising a main row and a plurality of second rows of seats, each second row including a seat-member and uprights, the uprights of the several respective rows being differently spaced transversely of the structure and the seatmembers extending transversely of the structure beyond the uprights of the respective second rows, said rows being connected shiftably one with the other for foldable movement longitudinally of the structure and disposed in a. spaced stepped series one in advance of the other when the structure is unfolded, said seat members being in nested vertical registration one beneath the other and said uprights being in registration transversely of the structure when the structure is folded.

22. A foldable seating-structure of bleacher type comprising a main row and a plurality of second rows of seats, each row including uprights differently spaced transversely of the structure and vertically yieldable for endwise resting under load upon a support, each of said second rows also including a seat-member and said seatmembers extending transversely of the structure outwardly beyond the uprights of the respective second rows, said rows being connected one with the other for foldable movement and disposed in a spaced stepped series one in advance of the other when the structure is unfolded, said seat members being in nested vertical registration one beneath the other and said uprights being in registration transversely of the structure when the structure is folded.

23. A foldable seating-structure of bleacher type comprising, in combination, a main frame and a plurality of second frames, each frame including uprights spaced transversely of the structure and the uprights of the several'second frames being differently spaced, means slidably connecting the second frames one with the other and with the main frame for foldable movement, and

seat-members on said frames of approximate equal length transversely of the structure, the seat-members of the second .frames extending transversely of the structure outwardly beyond the respective uprights thereof, said frames and seat-members being in respective stepped series one in advance of the other when the structure is unfolded, the seat-members being in nested vertical registration one beneath the other, and said uprights being in registration transversely of the structure when the structure is folded.

'24. A foldable seating-structure` of bleacher type comprising a main row and a plurality of '.second rows of seats, each row including uprights spaced transversely of the structure and the uprights of the respective second rows being differently spaced, said rows being shiftably connected one with the other for foldable movement longitudinally of the structure and disposed in a spaced stepped series one in advance of the other when the structure is unfolded, the second rows each also including a seat-member an/d said seat-members extending transversely of the structure outwardly beyond the uprights of the respective second rows, said seat members being in nested vertical registration one beneath the other and said uprights being in registrationtransversely of the structure when the structure is folded, and means operatively associated and movable with one of said second rows for selectively securing all of said rows in unfolded or folded relation.

25. A foldable seating-structure of bleacher type comprising a main row and a plurality of second rows of seats, each row including uprights spaced transversely `oi! the structure and the uprights of the respective second rows being dif-- ferently spaced, said rows being shiftably connected one with the other for foldable movement longitudinally of the structure and disposed in a spaced stepped series one in advance of theother when the structure is unfolded, the second rows each also including a lseat-member and said seatmembers extending transversely ofthe structure outwardly beyond the uprights of the respective second rows, said seat members being in nested -vertical registration one beneath the other and said uprights being in registration transversely of the structure whenthe structure is folded, f

and means including locking bolts carried by one of said second rows and endwise shiftable lfor selectively securing all of. the rows in unfolded or folded relation.

26. A foldable seating-structure of bleacher type comprising, in combination, a main frame and a plurality ofsecond frames shiftably connected for folding and unfolding longitudinally of the structure, each frame having spaced uprights, seat-members on the second frames of approximate. equal length and extending transversely of the structure outwardly beyond the respective uprights thereof, said seat-members being disposed in a stepped series one in advance of the other when the structure is unfolded, said seat-members being in vertical registration and said uprights being in lateral registration when the structure is folded, and means comprising roller-carriages for rollably supporting the second frames for movement relatively to the main frame during folding and unfolding of the structure. f

27. A foldable seating-structure of bleacher type comprising, in combination, a stationary main frame having spaced uprights, a plurality of movable second frames each also including spaced uprights, and one of said second frames having shiftable connection with the main frame and the remaining second frames `having shiftable connection one with the-other for folding and unfolding, seat-members on the second frames of approximate equal length and extending transversely of lthe structure outwardly beyond the respective uprights thereof, said seatmembers being in a stepped series one in advance of the other when the structure is unfolded, said seat-members being in vertical registration and said uprights being in lateral registration when the structure is folded, and means including respective roller-carriages for rollably supporting the several second frames for movement relatively to each other and to the main frame during folding and unfolding of the structure.

28. A foldable seating-structure of bleacher type comprising, in combination, a main upstanding frame including uprights spaced transversely of the structure and normally elevated from, and

vertically yieldable for endwise resting under load upon, a support, a plurality of second upf the second-frames of approximate equal length and .extending transversely of the structure outwardly beyond the respective uprights thereof, the several seat-members being inv a spaced stepped series one in advance of the other when the structure is unfolded and the second frames being in nested relation with the main frame -and said uprights being in registration transversely of the structure when the structure is folded, and means including respective rollercarriages and springs for rollably supporting the second frames for movement relatively to the main frame and for yieldingly supporting the up-` rights of the second frames in normal elevated position from, and for resting under load upon, said support.

29. A foldable seating-structure of bleacher type comprising, in combination, a main upstanding frame including uprights spaced transversely of the structure and normally elevated from, and vertically yieldable for endwise resting under load upon, a support, a plurality of second upstanding frames each including uprights spaced transversely of the structure, means including rigid members having co-operable sleeve-engagement for interconnecting the several frames for foldable movement, seat-members on the second frames of approximate equal length transversely of the structure, the several seat-members being in a spaced stepped series one in advance of the other when the structure is unfolded and the second frames being in nested relation with thel main frame and said uprights being in registration transversely of the structure when the structure is folded, and means including respective roller-carriages and springs for rollably supporting the second frames for movement relatively to the main frame and for yieldingly supporting the uprights of the second frames in normal elearranged for nested relation whenfolded, and seat-members on said frame-members disposed ln f a stepped series one in advance of the other when the structure is unfolded and in vertical registration when the structure is folded.

31. A foldable seating-structure of bleacher type comprising, in combination, a first frame including a plurality of forwardly presented spaced beams, a second frame including spaced uprights and a plurality of forwardly presented spaced beams fixed to the respective uprights of the frame adjacent the upper end thereof, the uprights of the second frame having connection at their upper end with the respective beams of the first frame for folding movement, and seat-members supported on the beams of the respective frames disposed in a spaced stepped series one in advance of the other when the frames are unfolded and in nested relation one beneath the other when the frames are folded.

32. A foldable seating-structure of bleacher type comprising, in combination, a rst frame having a plurality of forwardly presented spaced beams, a plurality of second frames each including spaced uprights and a plurality of forwardly presented spaced beams fixed to the respective uprights of the frame adjacent the upper end thereof, the uprights of one frame having connection at their upper end with the beams of the next rearwardly adjacent frame for folding movement, and seat-members supported on the beams of the respective frames disposed in a spaced stepped series one in advance of the other when the frames are unfolded and in nested registration one beneath the other when the frames are folded.

33. A foldable seating-structure of bleacher type comprising, 'in combination, a rst frame having a plurality of forwardly presented spaced beams, a plurality of second frames each including spaced uprights and a plurality of forwardly presented spaced beams xed to the respective uprights of the frame adjacent the upper end thereof, the uprights of the several frames being vertically yieldable for endwise resting under load upon a supportnd the uprlghts of one frame having-connection at their upper end with the beams of the next rearwardly adjacent frame for folding movement, and seat-members supported on the beams of the respective frames disposed in a spaced stepped series one in advance of the other when the frames are unfolded and in nested vertical registration when the frames are folded.

34. A foldable seating-structure of bleacher type comprising, in combination, a plurality of upstanding frameseach including forwardly presented seat-supporting members, said frames being shiftably interconnected for folding and being relatively sized and arranged for nested relation when folded.

35. A foldable seating-structure of .bleacher type comprising, in combinationfa plurality of upstanding frames each including forwardly presented seat-supporting beams, said frames having slidable connection one with the other for folding and being relatively sized and arranged for nested relation when folded.

36. A foldable seating-structure comprising e. plurality of L-shaped frames each having a horizontal leg and a vertical leg, each vertical leg being provided at its one extremitywith a horizontally disposed slide shoe and at, its other extremity with carriage means for maintaining said leg in laterally shiftable vertical position, each of said horizontal legs being provided with horizontally disposed track portions for slidable engagement in the slide shoe of an adjacent frame member.

37. A foldable seating-structure comprising a plurality of L-shaped frames each having a horizontal leg and a vertical leg, each vertical leg being provided at its one extremity with a horizontally disposed slide shoe and at its other extremity with carriage means for maintaining said leg in laterally shiftable vertical position, each of said horizontal legs being provided with horizontally disposed track-portions for slidable engagement in the slide shoe of an adjacent frame member, said frames being relatively sized with respect to each other for intertting nested alignment one within the other when the seatingstructure is in folded position.

FRANK ALBACH. v l

GEORGE R. CHERVENKA. 

